How to start Lifeguard course and swimming as a beginner?

If you are a beginner swimmer what do you need to know about safe Lifeguarding and swimming?

If you decided to start swimming, you made a great choice Lifeguard course. However, it can be intimidating to get into the water if you are not confident.

So here are some safe swimming tips to get you off to the best possible start Lifeguard class:

• Choose a time to swim when the pool is not too crowded
• Tell the lifeguard or swimming instructor that it's your first time and ask them to look out for you
• Don't be shy about taking swimming lessons
• Accept support – need to use a life jacket or arm bands: That's okay!
• Make sure you read the pool rules and swim safely

How can you manage your body image insecurity in the pool?

Often one of the biggest insecurities when trying to swim for the first time can be how you look , but there really isn't a reason for that. Chances are, all those people you think are looking at you are more concerned about themselves.

Try not to worry too much about how you look. Swimmers come in all shapes and sizes and once you're in the water, no one can see you anyway! Try to put this out of your mind . After all, it's a temporary problem anyway. In a few weeks, you will be stronger and your confidence will have increased. Everyone feels a little awkward when they step out of the locker room and before entering the water for the first time, but don't let that get in the way of your fresh start.

How important is warming up before entering the pool?

You should always warm up to swim safely and reduce the risk of injury , but it's especially important if you're a beginner and your form might not be what it should be. You don't want to injure a muscle after your first workout!

Do you need to familiarize yourself with the water before your pool workout?

When you enter the water, practice putting your head under it, holding your breath and blowing as you swim. Get used to the feeling of the water covering your face while holding onto the side in the shallows.

A useful technique is to float on your back . If at any point you feel out of control or can't catch your breath, remember that you can always turn on your back and float easily, giving you time to recover and get the much needed oxygen you need.

Should you follow a swimming program?

A good place to start is to follow an interval swimming schedule , which goes like this:

• Start by doing four lengths (go back and forth the length of the pool) in any style – backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle or butterfly. If this is difficult, hold a plank to your chest and tap your feet hard
• Increase the number of strokes you do each time you swim . For example, over four weeks, gradually increase to 20 or 30 lengths per workout
• Swim every other day for a week and then take a rest day
• Do some basic fitness training to build up your physical strength between swim days